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ATLANTA -- Adding gabapentin to venlafaxine does not augment the effectiveness of the antidepressant to control hot flashes, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Separate, previously reported, randomized, controlled trials have shown that both gabapentin and newer antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, are each significantly more effective than placebo in preventing hot flashes. However, in this study, which combined the two, no potentiation of relief was noted, said Dr. Charles Loprinzi, codirector of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center's research program in cancer prevention and control in Rochester, Minn.
Vasomotor symptoms tend to be severe in breast cancer survivors because their estrogen supply is suddenly interrupted, and they may also be taking agents, such as tamoxifen, that are known to cause hot flashes. In addition, chemotherapy can cause abrupt menopause in a premenopausal woman, Dr. Loprinzi said in an interview.
The anticonvulsant gabapentin has been shown to reduce hot flashes when taken at 900 mg/day, compared with placebo. Similarly, venlafaxine (75 mg/day) has been shown to decrease hot flash episodes significantly more than placebo.
Dr. Loprinzi and ...
Source: HighBeam Research, Gabapentin no boost to venlafaxine for hot flashes.(Gynecology)